Black Cherry came out in 2003 and marked a sharp left turn for Goldfrapp. After the cinematic, dreamy feel of Felt Mountain, this second album showed Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory getting bolder, louder, and a lot more physical. It’s the record where they stopped floating above the floor and fully stepped onto it, heels first. In terms of their career, this is the album that really defined Goldfrapp as shape-shifters rather than a one-mood project.

Sound-wise, Black Cherry is dark, sexy, and slightly dangerous. It leans hard into synth-driven beats, distorted bass, and a gritty electronic pulse that pulls from glam, electroclash, and a bit of industrial edge. Alison’s vocals are front and center, switching between icy control and playful menace. The whole thing feels nocturnal and confident, like music made for dim lights and moving bodies rather than quiet reflection.

A few tracks still jump out immediately. “Train” is all nervous momentum and attitude, while “Strict Machine” is pure tension and release, slowly building into something huge. The title track brings a twisted groove that feels both retro and futuristic, and “Twist” leans into the album’s sleazy, fun side without apology.

What keeps Black Cherry so replayable is its commitment to mood. It doesn’t try to please everyone, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s bold, stylish, and still sounds exciting years later – especially when you want something with a bit of bite.